"I can't help but wonder if the music I compose is jazz or not. And also - what is jazz nowadays?"
The above words accompany the latest release from Serbian saxophonist Max Kochetov who celebrates his latest project 'Foolin' Myself' through Italy's A.MA Records.
It's a provocative and somewhat apt assessment of contemporary jazz by today's standards with much of the genre continuing to find new life through artists forging ahead with innovative perspectives that immerse jazz within a range of dynamic genres and styles.
Much of jazz today certainly boasts a proclivity to incorporate strong elements of hip-hop, electronica and broken beat amidst its expansive soundscapes. While jazz's ongoing evolution definitively breeds compelling results, there's a fair line of questioning to be had in regards to whether the genre veers too far away from its essence to retain enough of its core sensibilities; conversely, the question can be asked whether an artist can be considered progressive if they aren't embracing more contemporary styles like the aforementioned examples?
It's a fascinating concept to employ as a springboard for a new project and one that Kochetov tackles with sensitivity and confidence.
And setting challenges for albums certainly does fit within Kochetov's modus operandi. For his 2022 debut with A.MA, 'Altered Feelings' featured the saxophonist and band leader presenting a 42-minute suite of tracks that were split over eight compositions and recorded live, in one take. A fantastic album that brilliantly established Kochetov's scope and ambition for his music going forward - an ideology revisited for his overdue follow-up.
A slightly evolved quartet line-up feature throughout 'Foolin' Myself' with Kochetov's saxophone finding inspired support from double-bassist Hugo Lof, the returning Milos Grbatinic on drums and A.MA label-mate pianist Katarina Kochetova who delivered an excellent album herself with 'Beyond Motion' in 2024. A selection of special guests feature throughout on horn duties including Fabrizio Bosso, Alex Sipiagin and Samuel Blaser and another A.MA stalwart features in the form of trumpeter Ivan Radivojevic who guests on 'Mood'.
For 'Foolin' Myself', Kochetov has raised the bar significantly and delivered a sensational offering. From the urgency captured in 'Tetra', the intricacy of 'Fusion Flow' and the intimacy of 'Silence', each composition is indicative of Kochetov examining his place within jazz's contemporary landscape.
The opening words to this article convey a mild uncertainty that Max Kochetov may harbour within himself but the music throughout 'Foolin' Myself' is conceived and performed with such passion and self-confidence that it's hard to imagine Kochetov truly doubting himself. What jazz is nowadays will vary for different people but perhaps what is of most value isn't being able to answer the question - it's found in asking it.
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